Animal enclosures
(A) Requirements for proper enclosures:
(1) the enclosure must be of dimensions, quality and type to comfortably and effectively enclose the animal; and
(2) gates and other openings to the enclosure must be securely closed and latched when not in immediate use; and
(3) fencing for the enclosure must:
(i) be constructed of material of sufficient height and strength to prevent the animal from escaping; and
(ii) include a barrier installed directly below the fence to prevent the animal digging its way out (where appropriate).
Effectively enclose means:
(a) for a dog: to prevent a dog protruding or escaping, over, under or through an enclosure; and
(b) for any other animal: to prevent an animal escaping over, under or through an enclosure.
(B) Requirements for specific use enclosures
(1) Specific use enclosures are to be maintained to an acceptable structural condition. Animal Management Subordinate Local Law 2023 5
(2) Uneaten food scraps, manure and any other material likely to become offensive and create a nuisance must be collected at least daily; and (a) immediately removed from the premises; or (b) kept in a suitable vermin proof container prior to disposal.
(3) Vermin and pests including fleas, flies, ticks, lice and rodents must be controlled in and around the enclosure.
(4) Run off from animal enclosures must not be allowed to discharge to any neighbouring property.
(5) For animals other than roosters, any roofed or fully enclosed structures for the housing of the animals must be a minimum of 1.5m from any property boundary.
(6) In this section: specific use enclosure means an enclosure specifically designed and built to house a particular species or breed of animal.
Examples: Bird aviary, chicken coop and guinea pig hutch.
Animal identification
(1) Stock must have:
(a) a distinguishing brand, bolus or ear tag; or
(b) be microchipped.
(2) The owner of one or more head of stock or 100 or more poultry (including caged birds) must be registered with Biosecurity Queensland.
(3) Birds, excluding poultry, must have an identifying leg band or be microchipped.
(4) The local government may grant an exemption from the requirement to wear the identification device specified in subsections 10(1) and (3)—
(a) where the animal has a medical condition that would adversely affect its health and well-being; or
(b) there are other mitigating circumstances.
(5) The owner of the animal may be granted an exemption under subsection (4) upon producing evidence to the satisfaction of the local government evidencing the grounds under subsection (4)(a) or (4)(b).
(6) The local government may, by written notice to the owner of the animal for which the exemption has been granted, revoke the exemption.
Minimum distance from boundary
For animals other than roosters, any roofed or fully enclosed structures for the housing of the animals must be a minimum of 1.5 metres from any property boundary. Refer to the minimum standards for keeping roosters for their requirements
Pick up after your pet
- It is your responsibility to clean up and dispose of your animal's waste in a sanitary way. Fines may apply.
- Animal waste (faeces) must not be left in parks, gardens, beaches, footpaths or streets
Biting and aggression
- All animal owners are responsible and legally liable for the actions of their animals.
- Animals may be declared dangerous or menacing for displaying aggressive behaviour causing fear, attacking a person or another animal or damaging property.
See dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs for more information.
Specific animal standards
Additional standards for dogs, roosters, ratites, e.g. ostrich, emu, racing pigeons and bees are found within the minimum standards in Animal Management Subordinate Local Law 2023
| Species or breed of animal |
Minimum standards for keeping particular animals |
| Dogs |
If a koala is on land where a dog is kept or to which a dog has access, the responsible person for the dog must:
- Tether the dog to prevent it from attacking a koala until the koala has left the land; and
- Contain the dog in an enclosure between sunset and sunrise to prevent it from attacking a koala.
|
| Roosters |
Where 1 rooster is being kept on a property, the rooster must be kept in an area of the property that is located at least 50 metres from any residential dwelling on a neighbouring property.
Where 2 or more roosters are being kept on a property, the roosters must be kept in an area of the property that is located at least 250 metres from any residential dwelling on a neighbouring property. |
| Racing pigeons |
Racing pigeons must be confined to their home loft after their designated race or exercise period. |
Ratites (ostrich, emu, and other similar birds)
|
A person must not on any premises keep ratites in densities greater than:
(i) Chicks 0 to 12 weeks of age - a shed density of not more than 3 chicks per square metre with an additional outside run of 5 square metres per chick; or
(ii) Juveniles 12 weeks to 6 months of age - a maximum density of not more than two per square metre with an additional outside run of 40 square metre per chick; or
(iii) Yearlings 6 months to 18 months of age - a maximum density of not more than 100 per hectare; or
(iv) Mature ratites over 18 months of age - a maximum density of not more than 18 per hectare. |
| Non-native bees |
Bees must be kept in a manner so as not to create a nuisance or hazard to any person on an adjoining property.
The owner must ensure that bees are kept in accordance with any Code of Practice for urban bee keeping under the Biosecurity Act 2014. |